EP2724417A1

EP2724417A1 - Method of opening a protective dome, in particular a radome, and radome equipped with a pantograph for implementation thereof

Info

Publication number: EP2724417A1
Application number: EP12734989.2A
Authority: EP
Inventors: Jacques Fournie; Christophe Bernus; Thony Dupas
Original assignee: Airbus Operations SAS
Current assignee: Airbus Operations SAS
Priority date: 2011-06-27
Filing date: 2012-06-26
Publication date: 2014-04-30
Anticipated expiration: 2032-06-26
Also published as: WO2013001224A1; EP2724417B1; CN103765672A; CN103765672B; CA2839809A1; CA2839809C; US9608320B2; FR2976909B1; FR2976909A1; US20160190679A1

Abstract

The invention is aimed at effecting rapid, simple protective dome opening, allowing accessibility to the device to be protected (radar and other communication systems, etc.). Accordingly, the invention makes provision for a unique kinematics combining two motions in such a way as to move the dome away while rapidly opening an intervention space. In general, a plane interface (V2) separates, in the initial position before opening, a dome (1) from the entrance face (F1) of a fixed part (10). According to the invention, the opening mechanism consists of two pairs of elements, each pair (21, 22) comprising two connecting elements composed of a rectilinear linkage (2a) and of an arm of greater mechanical strength (20a). The arm (20a) and the linkage (2a) of each pair form a determined angle in lateral view. The ends of the linkages (2a) and of the arms (2b) of each connecting pair (21, 22) are coupled to one and the same fixing support (31, 33) via means of rotational coupling. Each connecting pair (21, 22) forms one of the sides (C1, C2) of a pantograph in the form of an isosceles trapezoid (Tl).

Description

METHOD FOR OPENING A PROTECTION DOME,

IN PARTICULAR A RADOME, AND RADOME EQUIPPED WITH A

PANTOGRAPH FOR IMPLEMENTATION

DESCRIPTION

TECHNICAL AREA

The invention relates to a method for opening a protective dome of a device to be protected, in particular a reception structure and / or wave emission, for example a radar or a telecommunication antenna, in particular an aircraft radome, and a radome equipped with a pantograph capable of implementing this method.

Structural protection dome opening systems, such as aircraft radomes, are generally designed to be able to meet different requirements related to use, maintenance, manufacture and maintenance. assembly, taking into account in particular the problems of weight and corrosion.

[0003] The opening systems comprise a fixed part and a movable part made up of mobile mechanical elements which define rectilinear, circular circular or pivoting opening kinematics.

STATE OF THE ART

[0004] It is known, for example in the aeronautical field, that such systems may comprise extension members chosen from straight or gooseneck arms, hinges, removable fasteners and / or lateral arms and rods. .

Thus, the rectilinear arms on the periphery of the dome can reach the axis of rotation when opening the dome. Adjustments can then be made during assembly. In addition, such straight arms are a solution that does not generate a large surplus in mass. The use of gooseneck arms for the same purpose, inside the perimeter of the dome, requires more weight because this solution requires additional means on the axis of rotation, which must end behind the moving part. Due to the presence of this additional part, the interface between the structure to be protected and the opening mechanism is complex and expensive. The tightness at this interface is also complex and the whole is weighed down.

In a side opening configuration, the arms are mounted on a common hinge and the movement of each arm is guided by a connecting rod. This configuration generates the same disadvantages as the above solution. In addition, a lateral opening is not optimal for maintenance which then requires dual access for two operators, which can lead to interactions with the maintenance platform.

The opening by external hinges is a lighter solution than the previous one but, like the straight-arm solution, it requires more adjustments and increases the aerodynamic drag.

The opening systems above can be implemented with rigid moving parts. Thus, composite radomes of aircraft must be stiffened, for example by a metal mount. This entails additional costs, weight and complexity of the mobile assembly. In addition, a stiffening mount requires a rigid interface with a mounting frame of the fixed structure. This results in an increase in play and the presence of aerodynamic steps between the radome and the fixed part.

An opening system with removable fasteners allows to lighten the structure because no additional opening mechanism is implemented. In addition the movable part does not need to be sized to accommodate housing structural mechanisms when open.

The advantages of this solution lie in the fact that the mobile part is positioned more easily during assembly and meets the aerodynamic requirements. Thus the moving part is maintained by a specific tool when it is open during maintenance operations. The disadvantages come from the time dedicated to the removal of fasteners in general above the maintenance objectives, and the need for basic service equipment that is not always available. STATEMENT OF THE INVENTION

The invention aims to provide a protective dome opening without the disadvantages described above, in particular a simple opening, fast, allowing accessibility to a device (in particular a radar type communication device and / or other communication systems) without risk of corrosion or damage - with resistance to extreme loads and wind - fast assembly and adjustment with simple tools, low weight, economical costs and aerodynamic drag scaled down.

To do this, the invention provides a single kinematic combining two movements so as to move the dome while quickly opening a space of intervention.

More specifically, the present invention relates to a method of opening a protective dome of a device to be protected, in particular a telecommunication structure by transmission / reception of waves, mounted in a part so-called fixed. An interface (preferably flat for sealing reasons) separates, in the initial position before opening, the dome of the fixed part. In this method, the dome is connected to the fixed part by at least two independent double-link couplings rotatable between the dome and the fixed part. The links of the same coupling are mounted in common to form overall an isosceles trapezoidal pantograph which, during opening, is deployed by pivoting until the final opening. This deployment is done so that the dome moves away from the fixed part in a combination of translation and rotation movements.

A trapezoidal inclination of the links makes the system stiffer by maintaining good lateral stability in progress and at the end of opening. Advantageously, the links of each coupling are mounted on the dome in the peripheral joint, in particular at the inner edge of the dome. This arrangement increases the stability.

Furthermore, the mobile coupling links are dimensioned so that the opening kinematics begins with a substantially translational phase of the dome perpendicular to the plane of the interface, followed by a phase of displacement substantially in translation. and rotation of the dome about a fixed axis parallel to the pivot axis of the pantograph. Advantageously, the opening kinematics is an upward deployment in use mode, the final position of the dome defining, with respect to its initial position, an angle opening of between 30 and 80 °, preferably between 40 and 50 °. . An automatic locking, advantageously at the end of a telescopic extension, is provided when the dome has reached its final open position.

In addition, the links on the dome advantageously have an elasticity to overcome an adjustment.

The invention also relates to a radome adapted to be connected to a fixed part in particular according to the method above. Such a radome comprises a dome-shaped protective envelope and articulated connection mechanisms whose first ends are able to be coupled in rotation on the protective envelope. Second ends are able to be coupled in rotation on the fixed part on which is mounted a communication system to be protected by the radome. The connecting mechanisms are formed of at least two pairs. The ends of each pair of links are mounted on a common fitting via means of rotating coupling. Each pair of bonds forms one of the sides of an isosceles trapezoid pantograph. This double-link architecture, connecting rod and arm, the ends of which are taken up on a common fitting, advantageously makes it possible to reduce the masses, the kinematic parts and the fittings being of light structure.

According to particular embodiments: each pair consists of two connecting elements composed of a rectilinear guide rod and an arm of high mechanical strength, each element of each pair being able to pivot globally about a fixed axis;

- At least two telescopic rods are adapted to be fixed in rotation to the radome and the fixed part to achieve an automatic locking when the radome has reached its final open position;

the coupling means in rotation of the ends of the connection torques on the radome are bearings with a support ball of elastic material ("shockmount" or "silent-block" in English terminology);

the sides of the isosceles trapezium make an angle of 50 to 70 °, preferably 60 °, with the bases;

- The connecting rod and the arm of a connecting pair have, in lateral projection in use mode, a constant angular gap, in particular from 5 to 30 °, preferably from 10 to 25 °;

the arms of mechanical strength are bent, form two edges machined in ribs and are connected to the support by double shearing;

- Advantageously, the arms of each pair of links are sized flexural stiffness around a vertical axis passing through the end on the fixed part so as to limit the deflection of the dome under extreme loads.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES

Other advantages, aspects and features of the invention will appear on reading the detailed description which follows, with reference to the appended figures which represent, respectively:

- In Figure 1, a perspective view of the nose of an aircraft having a radome;

in FIGS. 2 and 3, two respectively upper and lateral views of an example of a radome according to the invention in the respectively intermediate and maximum opening position; - In Figure 4 diagrams 4a to 4k in side views of the gradual opening of the radome according to the preceding figures, between an initial position contiguous to the fixed part and a maximum open position;

in FIGS. 5 and 6, a connection torque with a connecting rod and an angled arm in frontal front view of the radome and in a perspective view between the radome and the fixed part; and

- In Figures 7 and 8, sectional views of the coupling means in rotation of an arm end and a rod end on the mounting bracket of the radome.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Throughout the present text, the part on which the radome rests, an aircraft fuselage end in the case of the following examples, is said to be fixed because it serves as a reference to the opening movement of the radome. The central axis X'X in the figures is horizontal, that is to say parallel to the ground on which the plane is placed, a vertical plane being perpendicular to the ground. The qualifiers "superior" and "lower", or equivalent, refer to relative positions of parts of the same object, for example radome, relative to the ground.

In Figure 1, the nose of an aircraft A consists of a radome 1 formed of a dome of composite material capable of protecting a radar antenna. The radome 1 is in connection with the fuselage 10 of the aircraft A, this fuselage constituting the so-called fixed portion. The radome and the fuselage are linked by fasteners January 1 and centering elements 12 to facilitate assembly.

With reference to the upper view of Figure 2, the example of radome 1 is in the intermediate open position. This radome is made of composite material. In a simplified manner, appear in this figure as connecting elements only the two connection couples 21 and 22, symmetrical with respect to the vertical central plane V1 passing through the central axis X'X. The couples 21 and 22 consist of a connecting rod 2a and an angled arm 20a having two machined edges forming ribs flanking a flat wall. These links are alloy metal, for example aluminum alloy. The arms are of greater mechanical strength than the connecting rods.

In the plane of Figure 2, parallel to the ground S, these links - in particular the arms 20a and 20b as shown in the figure - form the sides C1 and C2 of an isosceles trapezoidal pantograph T1 whose bases B1 and B2 are represented in dashed lines. In the plane of the figure, the rods 2a and the arms 20a of the same pair 21 or 22 appear generally parallel and form an angle of about 60 ° with respect to a vertical plane V2 parallel to the input face F1 of the fixed part (see Figure 3) and the bases B1, B2. The connection pairs 21 and 22 are mounted in common on the same support at their ends (symmetrically with respect to the plane V1): respectively on the fittings 31, at the inner edge Bi of the envelope forming the radome 1 (see FIG. 3) , and on the fittings 33 for the entry face of the fixed part. These assemblies in common on the same fitting advantageously allow a common recovery efforts transmitted.

In the side view of Figure 3, the input face F1 of the fixed part 10 is shown vertically. Approximately at the center of this face F1 is mounted a radar antenna 13. In this figure, there appear a connection torque 21 and a telescopic rod 41 fixed at the ends at the inner edge Bi of the radome 1 and on the face F1 by hinges of appropriate rotation coupling 4 and 4 '. The telescopic rod 41 conceals an identical telescopic rod 42 located symmetrically with respect to the vertical plane V1 passing through the central axis X'X. Each telescopic rod 41, 42, is positioned vertically to the common fitting of the corresponding connection torque 21, 22, at a greater distance than the length of the torque. In addition, thanks to the positioning on the common fitting and the periphery of the radome, each pair of connection 21, 22 has a shorter length than that of the corresponding telescopic rod 41, 42. This results in a gain in length and therefore in mass. Moreover, the telescopic rods 41 and 42 have an automatic locking position corresponding to the maximum final opening O _ma x of the radome 1 relative to the face F1 of the fuselage. In the example, the maximum aperture is about 44 °. The operator exerts a force (arrow E) until the maximum opening is obtained.

The angular gap a between the arm 20a and the connecting rod 2a of each pair of connection 21 is about 16 ° in the example in side projection. Such a type of gap makes it possible to prevent the simple rotation of the radome about the axis formed by the front end of the connecting rods 2a (see the description with reference to FIG. 6). In addition, the axes of rotation of the arm 20a and the connecting rod 2a are not parallel in order to impose kinematics on the connecting elements, connecting rods and arms (see also the description with reference to Figure 6).

The diagrams 4a to 4k of FIG. 4 illustrate the evolution of the progressive opening of radome 1 in lateral views, between the initial position (diagram 4a) where the circular rim 1a of the radome 1 is arranged in an interface against the face F1 of the fixed part 10 and the final position (diagram 4k) corresponding to the maximum opening O _ma x- The operator raises the radome 1 by exerting an increasing thrust from the lower part of the radome 1 (arrow E ) and until the telescopic rods 41 and 42 lock. The opening kinematics is an upward deployment in use mode (arrow E). The connecting rods 2a and, respectively, the arms 20a of the connecting pairs 21 and 22 pivot about axes symmetrical with respect to the vertical plane V1 (see Figure 2), respectively AA ', BB' and CC, DD '. The telescopic rods 41 and 42 pivot about an axis FF 'at the hinge 4.

In the diagrams 4a to 4k, the same reference signs used in the previous figures denote the same elements.

The dimensions and positions of the connection pairs 21 and 22 are adjusted so that:

in a first translational phase of the radome (arrows T), illustrated by diagrams 4a to 4c, the edge 1a of the radome 1 remains substantially parallel to the face F1 of the fixed part 10, and

in a second phase of rotation of the radome (arrows R), illustrated by diagrams 4d to 4k, the radome pivots about an axis parallel to the axis FF 'in addition to a translation forwards and upwards (parallel to the arrow E).

This two-phase decomposition makes it possible in particular to avoid the shearing of the seal between the radome and the fixed part. Indeed, the detachment of the radome is only axial by the pure translation at the beginning of kinematics of the movement. Thus, the seal retains its robustness and sealing function substantially longer.

The partial front view of the border Bi of the radome 1 according to Figure 5 illustrates a connection torque 21 with its mounting brackets on the radome and on the fixed part (which is not shown for reasons visibility), respectively referenced 31 and 33.

The fitting 31 is secured to the edge Bi of the radome 1. This bracket 31 comprises two ball bearings, 3a and 30a, for receiving respectively rotated adapted ends of the connecting rod 2a of the connecting torque 21. The other ends rod 2a and connecting rod 20a are accommodated in rotation on the fitting 33 adapted to be secured to the fixed part 10 (see Figure 6).

The arm 20a is bent and comprises two machined edges 21a and 22a connected by a plane wall 23a, these two arms merging into one at its end mounted on the fitting 31, and coming at its other end to articulate on the axis of rotation of the other fitting 33.

In Figure 5, a centering sphere 12 is also illustrated. This element is also fixed at the edge Bi of the radome 1 and is articulated on a complementary centering element integral with the fixed part to ensure positioning by centering.

The fitting 33 on the face F1 of the fixed fuselage portion 10 appears more clearly in the perspective view of Figure 6 which includes the same reference signs for identical elements. In this figure, there appear the couplings of the connecting rod 2a and the arm 20a in front view on the fixing fitting 33 of the fixed part 10 and in perspective view between the radome 1 and the fixed part 10 as well as on the fitting 31 of the radome 1. In particular, the ends 20e and 2e (respectively 20'e and 2'e), respectively of the arm 20a and 2a of the connecting rod, are rotated by ball bearings 30a and 3a (respectively 30'a and 3'a) formed on the fastening bracket 31 of the radome 1 (respectively the fastening fitting 33 of the fixed part 10) . In this figure, it also appears that the connecting rod 2a and the arm 20a are oriented in two different directions. Thus, the axes of rotation of the rod 2a and the arm 20a, coinciding with those of the bearings 30a and 30'a for the arm 20a, respectively 3a and 3'a for the connecting rod 2a, are not parallel to each other at the level of dome 1 and at the fixed part 10. In other variants, this non-parallelism of the axes is carried out on the dome and / or on the fixed part. The axes of rotation of the rod 20a and the arm 2a of each coupling then have a non-zero angle in two different planes. The angular gap a between the arm 20a and the rod 2a appears here in lateral view, substantially in full size. This difference is preferably between 15 and 20 °, about 16 ° in the example.

Rotating couplings on these spherical bearings advantageously involve ball supports of elastic material, for example rubber or synthetic elastomer. The cross-sectional views of FIGS. 7 and 8 show in more detail the configuration of such rotational couplings, in this case the couplings of the arm 20a and of the connecting rod 2a on the bearings 30a and 3a of the fitting 31 illustrated in FIGS. 5 and 6.

Referring to Figure 7, the end 20e of the arm 20a is mounted in a ball on the bearing 30a by a ball pin 30b. Elements 30r of elastic material serving as "bellows" provide elasticity in all axes.

In Figure 8, the second end of the connecting rod 2a is mounted in a ball on a ball pin 20x bearing 3a mounted on the fitting 31 via rings 31b. The 2nd ball joint is provided with an elastomeric material 20r.

The ball joints 2e and 20e provided with elastomeric material 20r and 30r have a radial stiffness determined so that its maximum displacement (corresponding to the maximum tolerance interval of the assembly) is reached for the load corresponding to locking locks in periphery of the radome. The invention is not limited to the examples described or shown above. It is for example possible to provide more than two telescopic rods or various forms of connecting rods or rods, as well as other types of connection of moving elements to the radome and the fixed part, or other geometries to the right junctions of these elements ..

Claims

1. A method of opening a protective dome (1) of a device to be protected mounted in a so-called fixed portion (10), wherein a preferably plane interface (V2) separates, in the initial position before opening, the dome (1) of the fixed part (10), the method being characterized in that the dome (1) is connected to the fixed part (10) by at least two independent couplings (21, 22) with a double link which can move in rotation between the dome (1) and the fixed part (10), the links (2a, 20a) of one and the same coupling (21, 22) being mounted in common on the dome (1) and on the fixed part (10) for generally forming an isosceles trapezoidal pantograph (Tl) which, during opening, unfolds by pivoting (F) to the final opening (O _ma x), so that the dome (1) is away from the fixed part (10) according to a combination of translational and rotational movements.

2. The method of opening according to claim 1, wherein the links (2a, 20a) of the same coupling (21, 22) are not parallel to each other at the dome (1) and / or at the level of the fixed part (10).

3. Aperture method according to the preceding claim, wherein the links (2a, 20a) of each coupling (21, 22) have a non-zero angle in two different planes.

4. Opening method according to claim 1, wherein the links (2a, 20a) of each coupling (21, 22) are mounted on the dome (1) in a peripheral joint, in particular at the inner edge (Bi).

5. An opening method according to one of claims 1 or 2, wherein the opening kinematics is an upward deployment in use mode, the final position of the dome (1) defining, with respect to its initial position, an opening (Omax) with an angle of between 30 and 80 °, preferably between 40 and 50 °.

The method of opening according to claim 1, wherein an automatic locking is provided when the dome (1) has reached its final open position (O _ma x).

7. The method of opening according to the preceding claim, wherein the locking is performed at the end of a telescopic extension (41, 42).

8. Opening method according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the coupling links (21, 22) are dimensioned so that the opening kinematics begins with a phase (T) of displacement substantially in translation of the dome. (1) perpendicularly to the plane of the interface (V2), followed by a phase (R) of displacement substantially in translation and rotation of the dome (1) about a parallel pivoting axis of the pantograph (Tl).

9. The method of opening according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the coupling of the links (21, 22) on the dome (1) and on the fixed part (10) have an elasticity to overcome an adjustment.

Radome capable of being connected to a fixed part (10) in particular according to the method of opening of any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that it comprises a dome-shaped protective envelope (1) and connecting mechanisms (21, 22) whose first ends (20e, 2e) are able to be coupled in rotation on the protective envelope (1) and second ends (20'e, 2'e) are suitable for being rotatably coupled to the fixed part (10) on which is mounted a communication system (13) to be protected by the radome (1), in that the connecting mechanisms are formed by at least two pairs (21, 22 ), in that the ends (2e, 2'e; 20e, 20'e) of each connection pair (21, 22) are mounted on a common fitting (31, 33) via rotation coupling means (3a , 3'a, 30a, 30'a), and in that each pair of links (21, 22) forms one of the sides (C1, C2) of a truncated pantograph isosceles apèze (Tl).

1 1. Radome according to the preceding claim, wherein the connection pairs (2a, 20a) of the same coupling (21, 22) have axes of rotation not parallel to each other at the dome (1) and / or at the fixed part (10).

12. Radome according to the preceding claim, wherein the axes of rotation of the pairs of connections (2a, 20a) of each coupling (21, 22) have a non-zero angle in two different planes.

13. Radome according to one of claims 10 to 12, wherein each pair consists of two connecting elements composed of a rectilinear guide rod (2a) and a high strength arm (20a), each element (2a, 20a) of each pair (21, 22) being rotatable globally about a fixed axis (ΑΑ ', BB'; CC, DD ').

14. Radome according to one of claims 10 to 13, comprising at least two telescopic rods (41, 42) adapted to be fixed in rotation to the radome (1) and the fixed part (10) to achieve an automatic locking when the radome (1) has reached its final open position (O _ma x) -

15. Radome according to any one of claims 10 to 14, wherein each connecting torque (21, 22) has a length less than that of the corresponding telescopic rod (41, 42).

16. Radome according to any one of claims 10 to 15, wherein the means for coupling in rotation the ends (2e, 20e) of the connection pairs (21, 22) on the radome (1) are ball bearings ( 3a, 30a) on a support of elastic material (20r, 30r).

17. Radome according to any one of claims 10 to 16, wherein the sides (C1, C2) of the isosceles trapezium (T1) make an angle of 50 to 70 °, preferably 60 °, with the bases (B1, B2). ).

18. Radome according to any one of claims 10 to 17, wherein the connecting rod (2a) and the arm (20a) of a connecting torque (21, 22) have, in lateral projection in use mode, an angular gap. (a) from 5 to 30 °, preferably from 10 to 25 °.

19. Radome according to any one of claims 10 to 18, wherein the high strength arms (20a) are bent, forming two edges machined ribs (21a, 22a).